Set Up a Taco Table

Making each taco yourself would be a full-time job that'd have you chained to the stove all evening long. Instead, Santibañez suggests setting out a DIY buffet: the meats in warm pots; the salsas, guacamole, and garnishes in bowls; and a stack of warm tortillas in a basket or covered bowl. Not only does this save you a ton of effort, but it also lets your guests assemble each taco right before they eat it, sparing everyone soggy, cold tortillas.

Mix and Match Sauces

You'll have no problem whipping up all three of these flavorful condiments. And since each pairs beautifully with both the steak and pork, even if you're pressed for time and only end up making one, no taco will go sauceless.

Your Do-Ahead Plan

Just about every item on this menu can be made aheadthe salsas and guacamole up to a day in advance, the pork up to three days ahead, the steak's marinade up to five. All you'll have to do on the day of the party is marinate and grill the steak and warm up the tortillas and pork. Just make sure you let the salsas and guacamole come to room temperature before you serve them.

Tortilla Perfection

Buy the best tortillas you canthis may mean seeking out a restaurant that agrees to sell you its house-made ones or finding a nearby tortilla factory (you'd be surprised at how common they are). Yet even commercial store-bought tortillas can be delicious, says Santibañez, as long as you heat each one in a hot pan for about a minute, turning them often. To make sure the tortillas stay warm until your guests dig in, place them in a towel-lined tortilla basket or bowl and cover while you warm the rest. They'll keep toasty for about 30 minutes.

A Frozen Finish

To counteract all that bold flavor and richness, Santibañez recommends making the sweet ending to your meal light and refreshing. "After I eat street tacos, I often head straight for a shop that sells paletas, the wonderful Mexican popsicles that come in all sorts of flavors, like cucumber, mango and chile, and avocado." Not only are popsicles a fun change of pace, but they can be made days in advance, and they'll also spare you extra cleanup, since no plates or utensils are required. We've included a recipe for Honeydew Lime Popsicles, but feel free to serve any seasonal fruit version or a mix of several.